Tragedy as body found after police helicopter deployed in search for missing Rotherham woman - and arrest made
POLICE discovered a body in a Rotherham suburb after embarking on a search for a missing woman.
On March 2, police received a report of concern for a missing woman and began a search in the Wingfield area of Rotherham.
National Police Air Service (NPAS) officers were deployed, and a police helicopter was spotted hovering over houses in the area as they searched for the woman in her 30s.
Tragically, at 12.07am on Tuesday morning (March 3), a body was discovered in a wooded area near Town Lane.
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of false imprisonment in connection to the investigation and has since been released on bail.
A South Yorkshire Police spokesperson said: “While formal identification is yet to take place, it is believed to be the missing woman. Her family has been informed and is being supported by officers.
“An investigation has been launched into the woman's death, which is currently being treated as unexplained. Enquiries are ongoing in the local area and a scene remains in place.
“In line with normal procedure, a mandatory referral has been made the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to police contact prior to the woman's death.”
A spokesperson for the NPAS added: “Around 5.30pm on Monday March 2 a police helicopter crew from NPAS Carr Gate was deployed to the area of Rotherham in support of South Yorkshire Police.
“The tasking was in relation to the search for a missing person.
“The total flight time was 50mins.”